Hi
I have had stomach issues for as long as I can remember, I have been diagnosed with GERD, IBS, ect... I still constantly have problems especially with digestion. My stomach is always hurting, I am constantly bloated and uncomfortable. I went in this morning for a Stomach ultrasound and she said that I have a thick gallbladder. She said that shows a diseased gallbladder.
I fasted for about 10 hours, but had a small ice coffee with cream and sugar, not thinking that could affect the test results.
She kept asking me if I was sure I did not eat anything because from what she was seeing with the thickening, I guess she wanted to make sure. So she said the doctor has to look at it and let me know for sure.
But she said she thinks that the cream in the coffee can make it look thick too. Which is my question, could a small ice coffee really throw off the results that much? And also if I had a diseased gallbladder wouldn't that show in bloodwork results too? Thanks

The presence of thickening of the gall bladder, does not happen overnight. It actually takes a few months to a year for it to develop.

The common presentation due to gall bladder dysfunction include - Pain or tenderness under the rib cage on the right side , Pain between shoulder blades, Stools light or chalky colored, Indigestion after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods, Nausea, Dizziness, Bloating, Gas, Burping or belching, Feeling of fullness or food not digesting, Diarrhea (or alternating from soft to watery) and or Constipation.

Diagnosis of the cause would require imaging studies like a ultrasound and blood tests (liver functions). In case, you have not done, a HIDA scan with CCK injection will help to know the exact functioning status of your gall bladder. In case the HIDA scan, done shows the Gall bladder function to be less than 35%, then it will be conclusive about your symptoms being due to Gall bladder dysfunction.

The definitive treatment of such conditions is cholecystectomy for patients who are able to tolerate surgery.

In many patients, coexistent GERD is also a contributing factor for the symptoms. Hence in many individuals who undergo Gall bladder removal, the symptoms due to GERD will cause persistent symptoms. Hence it is important to work with a gastroenterologist and rule out Gastric Reflux disorder, and treat it properly. Effective treatment of such conditions may negate the need for a gall bladder surgery.

But in case, the symptoms are predominantly due to gall bladder, then treatment of both GERD and gallbladder removal may be needed.

A high fibre diet is also recommended. Include at least 3-4 servings of vegetables a day and 2-4 servings of fruit each day. Fruits like - Dried fruits (dates, apricots, prunes, raisins); raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and oranges can help reduce the symptoms.

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